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Taking measures to prevent diseases, improve our health, and extend our lifespan
A disease affecting people from all walks of life
The condition where technology controls a person
Individuals may be referred to addiction treatment centers if deemed necessary
Promoting mental well-being by coping with stress and recognizing abilities
One of the most widely abused substances globally due to nicotine addiction
Activation of the brain's reward pleasure mechanism by repeating a certain behavior
Crucial in preventing relapse after quitting alcohol or drugs.
Complete well-being physically, mentally, and socially
A product containing vaporized nicotine reported as harmful.
1.85 million out of 3 million deaths in 2017 were preventable.
The process of recovery by combating addiction
Inability to quit substances despite knowing the physical and psychological harms
Risking something valuable in hopes of gaining something more valuable
The beginning of the body's purification process after quitting substance use
The process of reintegrating into society healthily
09/10/2024
Addiction is the loss of control over an object or action that an individual uses, leading them to be unable to live without it. In other words, willpower diminishes in usage and behavior and the person continues the addictive usage or behavior whether they want to or not. Technology addiction is the condition where technology controls a person. The misuse of technology negatively affects individuals' physical, psychological, social, intellectual and spiritual development. The International Federation of Green Crescent (IFGC) acknowledges the importance of technology in our daily lives but emphasizes that technology addiction is a critical risk for modern individuals. Consequently, Country Green Crescents which are members of the International Federation of Green Crescent are globally tackling technology addiction.
In today's world, human life is rapidly digitizing and the rational use of digital devices greatly facilitates life. However, excessive use of digital devices can deplete the benefits gained, rapidly deplete time and well-being and even lead to technology addiction. Digital devices such as phones, computers, smart devices and gaming consoles have become an integral part of our lives, and spending hours using them has become a normal habit for many people.
Perceiving this abnormal behavior as normal leads many individuals to continue their lives without even realizing they are developing addiction to technology. Technology addiction is the condition where technology controls a person.
It should cause significant distress and impairment in functionality from a clinical perspective. Some symptoms of technology addiction include:
• Spending hours claiming it's just a few minutes
• Lying about the time spent in front of screens to others
• Complaining about physical problems due to prolonged computer use
• Adopting an anonymous persona, preferring online communication over face-to-face
• Sacrificing meals, classes or appointments to go online
• Feeling guilty when away from the computer but experiencing pleasure and oscillating between these two feelings
• Feeling tense and vacant when away from their computers
• Staying on the computer until late at night
Technology addiction can lead to increased physical complaints in the social field for individuals. Some of these complaints include:
Physical Complaints
• Burning eyes
• Neck pain and stiffness
• Posture problems
• Numbness in the hands
• Fatigue
Social Complaints
• Decreased academic achievement
• Personal, family and school problems
• Failure in time management
• Sleep disorders
• Lack of appetite
• Decrease in activities
• Isolation except for online friends
+Methods to Control Addiction
• Change daily internet usage hours
• Prepare weekly schedules for internet usage and ensure adherence
• Implement methods such as support groups or family therapy
• Encourage writing activities that the individual wants to do but hasn't found the opportunity for and ask them to do one of those activities when they strongly desire to use the internet
Key points in preventing technology addiction include:
• Directing children to meet their friends naturally and socialize within peer groups
• Directing children to sports that match their talents and interests
• Supporting children's friendships, planning activities that bring them together
• Controlling a child's computer usage and getting to know their online friends
• Ensuring secure internet applications on computers
Some points to be careful about in preventing technology addiction are:
• Never using devices like smartphones/tablets to comfort or silence children
• Not allowing children to use the internet without control for an extended period
• Not serving a child in front of a computer during meal and tea times, encouraging them to join you
Green Crescent Counseling Centers provide free support to individuals aged 12 and over to overcome technology addiction. Meetings are held with both the individual and their family. The main goal of these meetings is to reduce smartphone use, online gaming and internet usage to levels that will not adversely affect the individual's life.
"Children or tablets are a good way to keep children busy."
When phones and tablets are used under family control, they benefit your children. However, when used alone for long hours without family control, it can lead to problems such as attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, speech disorders, anger and aggression.
Undoubtedly, reaching the point of addiction does not happen suddenly; it progresses step by step. These steps are serious and important signs that addiction is developing. Therefore, monitoring and controlling these steps are crucial to prevent and stop addiction before it starts.
To answer your questions in the fields of Addiction and Public Health...
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